Taste of Hilo raises record $20K for Hawaiʻi Community College students

Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaiʻi raised $20,000 through its annual Taste of Hilo fundraiser, which it recently presented to Hawaiʻi Community College, providing expanded support for student scholarships and initiatives throughout the college.

The gift is the largest annual contribution Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaiʻi has made through Taste of Hilo and reflects the organization’s longstanding commitment to supporting higher education and student success on Hawaiʻi Island.

Scholarships funded through the partnership supported more than 25 students last year, representing programs including liberal arts and sciences, agriculture, information technology, early childhood education, nursing, carpentry, diesel mechanics and more.

“We are incredibly grateful to [Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaiʻi] and everyone who supports Taste of Hilo year after year,” said Hawaiʻi Community College Chancellor Susan Kazama in a college release. “This generosity helps reduce financial barriers for our students and reminds them that their community believes in their potential. Partnerships like this make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.”

Taste of Hilo, now in its 27th year, has become one of East Hawaiʻi’s signature community events, bringing together local chefs, restaurants, food and beverage producers, businesses and residents to celebrate Hawaiʻi Island’s culinary talent.

The 2025 fundraiser featured the second annual Fuji Experience, a limited-seating culinary showcase prior to the main event, highlighting Hawaiʻi Island ingredients through a curated menu.

Guests then joined the main Taste of Hilo event, where restaurants, food vendors and beverage producers from around the island offered a wide variety of culinary creations and specialty beverages, showcasing the depth, creativity and diversity of Hawaiʻi Island’s food scene.

“Taste of Hilo is a celebration of the people, businesses and culinary talent that make Hawaiʻi Island such a special place,” said Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaiʻi President Mitchell Dodo in the release. “We’re honored that the event also helps open doors for Hawaiʻi Community College students. Supporting education is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in the future of our island.”

Faculty, staff and volunteers from Hawaiʻi Community College also contributed to the event’s success, reflecting the strong partnership between the college and the East Hawaiʻi community.

Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaiʻi contributed more than $250,000 during the past 26 years to Hawaiʻi Community College through Taste of Hilo.

“One of the greatest strengths of Hawaiʻi Island is the way people come together to support one another,” Kazama said. “Taste of Hilo is a wonderful example of that spirit in action. We are grateful for JCCIH’s continued partnership and for the many individuals and businesses whose support helps our students succeed.”

The 28th annual Taste of Hilo will take place Oct. 18.

Tickets will be available for purchase starting at the end of July at the event website.